Bühlmann decompression algorithm: Difference between revisions

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The '''Bühlmann decompression algorithm''' is a mathematical model ([[algorithm]]) of the way in which [[inert gases]] enter and leave the body as the [[ambient pressure]] changes.<ref name=deco"AAB1984">{{cite book |title=Decompression-Decompression Sickness |last=Bühlmann |first=AAAlbert A |authorlink=Albert A. Bühlmann |year=1984 |publisher=Springer-Verlag |___location=Berlin New York |isbn=0387133089 }}</ref>

It is used to create '''Bühlmann tables'''. These are [[decompression tables]], which allow [[Underwater diving|divers]] to plan the depth and duration for dives, and show [[decompression stops]] when necessary.

The algorithm was developed by Dr. [[Albert A. Bühlmann]], who did research into decompression theory at the Laboratory of Hyperbaric Physiology at the University Hospital in [[Zürich]], [[Switzerland]].<ref name="AAB1982">{{cite journal |author=Bühlmann, AAAlbert A |title=[Experimental principles of risk-free decompression following hyperbaric exposure. 20 years of applied decompression research in Zurich] |language=German |journal=Schweizerische Medizinishe Wochenschrifft |volume=112 |issue=2 |pages=48–59 |year=1982 |pmid=7071573 }}</ref><ref name="spums1999">{{cite journal |author=Wendling, J; Nussberger, P; Schenk, B |title=Milestones of the deep diving research laboratory Zurich |journal=South Pacific Underwater Medicine Society journal |volume=29 |issue=2 |year=1999 |issn=0813-1988 |oclc=16986801 |url=http://archive.rubicon-foundation.org/6003 |accessdate=2009-04-02 }}</ref>

The results of Bühlmann's research that began in 1959, was published in a 1983 German book entitled Decompression-Decompression Sickness.<ref name=deco"AAB1984" /> The book was regarded as the most complete public reference on decompression calculations and was used soon after in [[dive computer]] algorithms.

Max Hahn first used Bühlmann's algorithm to develop dive tables for the Swiss Underwater Sport Association. In 1987 the [[Sub-Aqua Association|SAA]] Bühlmann System was developed by Bob Cole. This system used the dive tables and a set of rules so that people could dive safely and stay below their [[No Decompression Limit|no-decompression limit]].<ref name="Powell2008-18>{{cite book |last=Powell |first=Mark |title=Deco for Divers |publisher=Aquapress |___location=Southend-on-Sea |date=2008 |page=18 |isbn=1905492073}}</ref>

The tables are still used today and are very popular; many dive computers still use the ZHL-8 algorithm and many tables are based on the ZHL-16 algorithm. These calculations also include considerations for repetitive and [[altitude diving]].<ref name=deco"AAB1984" /><ref name="AAB1987">{{cite journal |author=Bühlmann, AAAlbert A |title=Decompression after repeated dives |journal=Undersea Biomedical Research |volume=14 |issue=1 |pages=59–66 |year=1987 |issn=0093-5387 |oclc=2068005 |pmid=3810993 |url=http://archive.rubicon-foundation.org/3081 |accessdate=2008-04-25 }}</ref><ref name="Boni1976">{{cite journal |author=Böni, M; Schibli, R; Nussberger, P; Bühlmann, AA |title=Diving at diminished atmospheric pressure: air decompression tables for different altitudes |journal=Undersea Biomedical Research |volume=3 |issue=3 |pages=189–204 |year=1976 |issn=0093-5387 |oclc=2068005 |pmid=969023 |url=http://archive.rubicon-foundation.org/2750 |accessdate=2008-04-24}}</ref><ref name="AAB1973">{{cite journal |author=Bühlmann, AAAlbert A ; Schibli, R; Gehring, H |title=[Experimental studies on decompression following diving in mountain lakes at reduced air pressure] |language=German |journal=Schweizerische Medizinishe Wochenschrifft |volume=103 |issue=10 |pages=378–83 |year=1973 |month=March |pmid=4144210 }}</ref><ref name="AAB1989">{{cite journal |author=Bühlmann, AAAlbert A |title=[Decompression problems in diving in mountain lakes] |language=French |journal=Schweizerische Zeitschrift fur Sportmedizin |volume=37 |issue=2 |pages=80–3; discussion 99–102 |year=1989 |pmid=2799365 }}</ref><ref name="AAB1984b">{{cite journal |author=Bühlmann, AAAlbert A |title=[Decompression during lowered air pressure] |language=German |journal=Schweizerische Medizinishe Wochenschrifft |volume=114 |issue=26 |pages=942–7 |year=1984 |pmid=6087447 }}</ref>

Many articles on the Bühlmann tables are available on the web. An example of an overview of the history of Bühlmann tables may be found at [http://www.dive-tech.co.uk/workman%20and%20buhlmann.htm Decompression Theory: Robert Workman and Prof A Bühlmann]. For an in-depth treatment of the mathematics involved see [http://njscuba.net/gear/trng_10_deco.html An Explanation of Professor A.A. Buehlmann's ZH-L16 Algorithm] while [http://www.lizardland.co.uk/DIYDeco.html DIY DECOMPRESSION] works through the steps involved in using the algorithm to write a decompression program.

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{{Reflist}}

== AdditionalFurther Reading ==

{{refbegin}}

* {{cite book |title=Tauchmedizin |language=German |last=Bühlmann |first=AA |year=1995 |publisher=Springer-Verlag |___location=Berlin |isbn=3540555811 }}

* {{cite journal |authorlast1=Keller, H;|first1=Hannes |last2=Bühlmann, AA|first2=Albert A |authorlink1=Hannes Keller |title=Deep diving and short decompression by breathing mixed gases |journal=Journal of Applied Physiology |volume=20 |issue=6 |pages=1267–70 |year=1965 |month=Nov |url=http://jap.physiology.org/cgi/content/abstract/20/6/1267 |accessdate=2008-04-25 }}

* {{cite book |title=Tauchmedizin: Barotrauma Gasembolie Dekompression Dekompressionskrankheit |language=German |last=Bühlmann |first=AA |year=1992 |publisher=Springer-Verlag |___location=Berlin |isbn=3540555811 }}

* {{cite book |title=Tauchmedizin |language=German |last=Bühlmann |first=AAAlbert A |year=1995 |publisher=Springer-Verlag |___location=Berlin |isbn=3540555811 }}

* {{cite journal |author=Keller, H; Bühlmann, AA |title=Deep diving and short decompression by breathing mixed gases |journal=Journal of Applied Physiology |volume=20 |issue=6 |pages=1267–70 |year=1965 |month=Nov |url=http://jap.physiology.org/cgi/content/abstract/20/6/1267 |accessdate=2008-04-25 }}

{{refend}}

{{Decompression}}